Community Update: July 17, 2026

July 17, 2026 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

Last weekend, the peace and joy of the Salsa on St. Clair festival was shattered by reckless gun violence that claimed two young lives and injured six more. The many people in attendance were traumatized, along with neighbouring communities, and the entire city. I joined Mayor Chow and local Councillor Josh Matlow in thanking all first responders for their swift action that prevented even more tragedy.

Guns on our streets are destroying families and harming communities. At the same time, organized crime networks are recruiting young people into gang activity and on the frontlines of violence. This tragedy has hit close to home for many of us in Davenport, as the two young men killed were connected to many in our ward, and one was a classmate of my son’s. While there is anger in our community, there is also great sadness.

I have spent many hours in the last week connecting with community members, social service organizations, Mayor Olivia Chow, our local Davenport MPP Marit Stiles, and City staff on this. I have also stood together with local organizers and attendees at events across our community, many along St. Clair West. I joined the Regal Heights BIA Flower Market, welcomed the new Geary Avenue Park, danced with neighbours at Concerts on Connelly, and joined families in Earlscourt Park on Tuesday for free ice cream and popcorn at our Summer Movie Night under the stars. At each event I heard echoed that we are safer and stronger when we come together in joy and celebration, especially with the young people in our ward.

At the City’s final Economic and Community Development Committee meeting on Tuesday, I moved a motion for City staff to continue exploring additional measures for street festivals and large-scale events so that they are as safe as possible for everyone. The motion also directs Toronto to look at what solutions other cities are implementing, and how the City can support festival organizers and community organizations with costs.

This weekend, I am looking forward to joining the Bloordale BIA at the Big on Bloor festival, and visiting Brazilfest in Earlscourt Park. While we continue to heal together, I hope to see you on Davenport’s streets, and look forward to continuing to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor • Ward 9 • Davenport
Chair, Economic & Community Development Committee

In this Edition

Calling Local Vendors: Be Part of Line 5 Fest!
Construction Notice: Overnight Metrolinx road closure for utility chamber work
Dufferin Grove Park Wading Pool Improvements
Staying safe in hot weather
Stay safe in the sun! Wear sunscreen.
Rules for rideables
Lyme disease prevention
Water Meter Transmission Unit replacement
Managing water around the house
Rain Barrel Savings Program returns
Help reduce air pollution on hot, smoky days

Calling Local Vendors: Be Part of Line 5 Fest!

The TTC is inviting local businesses along the Eglinton Avenue corridor to apply for a free vendor space at Line 5 Fest, the official opening celebration of Line 5 Eglinton, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Cedarvale Station. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your business and connect with thousands of residents and transit riders. Applications close August 6, 2026.

For details and to apply, visit www.ttc.ca/line5fest

Construction Notice: Overnight Metrolinx road closure for utility chamber work

As part of the Davenport Diamond Greenway project, crews will be constructing a new electrical duct bank and chamber along the Dupont Street south sidewalk near Campbell Avenue. This work will require an overnight closure of Dupont Street between Symington and Lansdowne Avenues.

Scheduled Start Date: July 30, 2026

Scheduled End Date: July 31, 2026

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 pm to 6:00 am

Dufferin Grove Park Wading Pool Improvements

Take a short online survey to help improve the wading pool at Dufferin Grove Park!

The Dufferin Grove Park wading pool has reached the end of its lifecycle. Should it be replaced with a new wading pool, or turned into a splashpad? Tell us what’s best for the community by taking the survey by July 17, 2026.

Staying safe in hot weather

Prolonged or extreme heat can affect your health in different ways, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat illness can range from mild to severe. To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, the City of Toronto activates a Heat Relief Strategy from May 15 to September 30. Find ways to keep cool at toronto.ca/heat.

Stay safe in the sun! Wear sunscreen.

Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Wear sunscreen, stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. The City is once again partnering with the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation to offer residents and visitors free sunscreen through #BeSunSafe dispensers at select parks, beaches and camp sites. The program has expanded to City golf courses, so that golfers can be protected while out on the greens. BeSunSafe.ca

Rules for rideables

Rideables – lightweight, personal and often electric modes of transportation like bikes, e-bikes and mopeds – have become a key part of how people get around Toronto. Whether you’re riding for fun, commuting or making deliveries, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ride safely, follow the rules for rideables and respect fellow travellers. To learn more, visit toronto.ca/rideables.

Lyme disease prevention

Stay tick aware while enjoying the outdoors. Lyme disease risk in Toronto remains low but is increasing. Protect yourself by preventing tick bites, checking for ticks after outdoor activities and removing them promptly to reduce the risk of infection. Learn more at toronto.ca/lyme

Water Meter Transmission Unit replacement

The City is replacing all 470,000 Water Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) across Toronto, which will take about three years to complete. The City’s contractor Neptune Technology Group (Canada) will contact residents and businesses by mail with instructions on how to book your MTU replacement appointment. It’s important to book your appointment as soon as you are contacted. Learn more about what to expect at toronto.ca/MTUreplacement.

Managing water around the house

Managing water around your home will help save you money and protect our environment. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or a house, there are steps you can take to reduce water waste.

Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap to get cool water. Turn off the tap when you’re not using the water while brushing your teeth, washing or shaving. Fix leaky faucets and toilets and install water-efficient toilets.

Healthy lawns only need about 2.5 cm of water once a week, including rain. Water your lawn in the morning to prevent evaporation. Avoid watering at night, as leaving grass wet for long periods can lead to fungal disease.

For more tips on how to manage your water at home, visit the City’s Managing Water Around the House web page

Rain Barrel Savings Program returns

Back by popular demand, the City of Toronto is offering residents another opportunity to purchase a rain barrel at a reduced cost. Sales open on July 23 at 2:00 pm.

Rain barrels help conserve water by collecting and storing rainwater for outdoor use. Eligible properties can purchase a package that includes one rain barrel and one downspout diverter for $9.95 + HST, with free delivery. This second round of the Rain Barrel Savings Program is available only to new participants.

Learn more at https://www.toronto.ca/RainBarrels

Help reduce air pollution on hot, smoky days

Climate change is impacting daily life in Toronto, including the air we breathe. On days when the Air Quality Health Index is high, consider reducing or avoiding the use of gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers and older diesel engines, which contribute to local air pollution and can worsen air quality conditions. Explore sustainable landscaping alternatives, such as planting native species that require less maintenance. Learn more at toronto.ca/ChooseGreen

In the Community

Our movie night in the park at Earlscourt Park was a blast. Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed the night with our office.

Thank you to the members of CUPE 416 who helped put on the event.

It was great to spend time with neighbours picking up litter and removing debris at our Bloor and Dufferin Community Cleanup last week.

I had a great time at Concerts on Connolly and heard some amazing music.

It was fun to catch up with neighbours at Fairbank Summerfest.

I had an amazing time at the McRoberts street party.

It was a beautiful day to spend time on Day Avenue at their annual street party.

I dropped by MUSE Arts to say hello while I was in Earlscourt Park.

I had a great time at the 35-year anniversary of the FCJ Refugee Centre, celebrating the critical work that the organization does in our community.

I joined the City of Toronto’s Animal Services staff to speak with dog owners about the importance of keeping dogs on a leash for everyone’s safety in our parks and on our sidewalks.